CHARLOTTE AMALIE — Two masked men with guns robbed a popular bar and restaurant in the Havensight Shopping Mall on St. Thomas hours after closing this morning. No injuries were reported.
Police dispatchers received a call about 4:43 a.m. today that an armed robbery had occurred at The Tap & Still on First Avenue near the West Indian Company Dock, the Virgin Islands Police Department said.
Patrol officers and detectives from the Criminal Investigation Bureau converged on the bar and restaurant and were told by the victims that they were talking outside after closing when they decided to re-enter The Tap & Still.
As they were entering, two masked with guns came from nearby The Rum Hut on Frenchman Bay Road and forced the victims back into The Tap & Still.
“After entering Tap & Still the one victim was forced to the cash registers where the one suspect took approximately $1,000.00 dollars from both the cash drawers,” VIPD spokesman Glen Dratte said. “The victim further stated prior to entering the business the one suspect took approximately $500.00 from him.”
A preliminary police investigation revealed that the suspects ran to a waiting vehicle on the street outside The Tap & Still. The suspects fled in the vehicle.
“I remember late 80s early 90s. Very serious crime daily, nightly. Back then it was gang initiation,” former St. Thomas resident Kathleen Brennan wrote on Facebook. “This is nothing new to old timers. Never forget the Victims!!!! Of criminal violence. USVI.”
This case is currently under active investigation by the Criminal Investigation Bureau.
Anyone with information about this incident is urged to contact 911, Criminal Investigation Bureau at 340-774-2211 ext. 5608 or Crime Stoppers USVI at 1-800-222-8477.
Reducing the use of cash and using other forms of payment will help in the reduction of these types of robbery. How about a sentence of hand amputation when they are caught?